Quick & Easy Dinner Options: Comparing InstaBomb, Fast Food, and ‘Restaurants Near Me’

Eating out has always been a trend globally. In the United States alone, a January 2022 survey analyzed how frequently U.S. consumers eat out at a restaurant. Of the survey population,  29 percent of respondents claimed to eat out once a week or more. On the other hand, 11 percent said they never eat out at restaurants.

2022 marked a zenith for the trend of eating at restaurants as the year saw an all-time high in average spending on dining out in the United States. There are many factors that could be blamed for this but one prominent is an increase in food and drink costs has caused restaurant-goers to spend more per visit. Regardless of the inflation in prices, studies still found that U.S.  consumers that had higher incomes spent more on dining out .

Whether it is fast food or casual dining in, it is increasingly obvious that the culture of eating outside of home is a huge part of society, almost second-nature to many. But is this truly worth it?

About 22% of Americans consume fast food at least twice a week. Everybody loves fast food. From Big Mac from McDonald’s to fries, cheeseburgers, pizza, and everything in between, it is easy to get caught up and addicted to the convenience and delicious taste of these easy meals. However, although fast food is undoubtedly a great option sometimes, it is not without its shortcomings.

Some advantages of fast food include:

Convenience :

The convenience factor that fast food chains offer cannot be underemphasized. When we are caught up in the hustle of work, school, and overall busy life, there are times when we have little to no time to prepare a home-cooked meal. As a result, Americans  order takeout or delivery  4.5 times a month, compared to eating at a restaurant an average of 3 times a month. In those times, we often find ourselves turning for a more convenient option that doesn't involve prepping meals while exhausted. These convenient options come in the form of affordable meals from fast-food chains. When on a time crunch, fast food offers a meal that is prepared quickly, leaving you time to eat and get back to being busy. After all, a quick bite from your favorite fast-food chain is an easy dinner after you've had a long day.

Affordability :

Sometimes, we find ourselves on a limited budget, looking for cheap eats. When this happens, fast food is often a first choice, offering a full stomach for a few dollars. For example, the price of the Big Mac Meal from McDonald's ranges from $9.99 in Houston to $13.49 in New York City, averaging approximately $11.95 across major cities. Additionally, a burrito/bowl costs around $8.95 to $12.05 depending on the city, averaging approximately $10.37. Although this isn't entirely the cheapest, it goes to show that satisfaction paired with the affordability of fast food is also one reason many people choose to get takeouts.

On-The-Go Feeding:

More than one-half (57%) of Americans order takeout versus going into a restaurant physically. Running on a tight schedule where you are constantly on the go means you do not always have the opportunity to go grocery shopping and cook for yourself. Getting fast food means you can stay fed while on the move, providing an alternative to cooking.

Unhealthy Ingredients:

Many fast food items are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, including excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy trans fats. These foods also often include high quantities of overly processed ingredients that have preservatives, artificial coloring, and artificial flavors in them.

Limited menu options:

While fast food chains often promote a variety of items, the reality is that many of these options are similar in nature—typically centered around burgers, fries, and fried chicken. This limited selection can make it challenging for those seeking healthier or more diverse meal choices. Vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with dietary restrictions may find it particularly difficult to find suitable options that meet their nutritional needs.

Health risks:

Regular consumption of fast food has been linked to several health risks. Studies show that frequent fast  food eaters are more likely to experience weight gain , high cholesterol levels, and increased blood pressure. The high-calorie content and low nutritional value of these meals can lead to long-term health problems, making it essential to consider the implications of relying on fast food as a primary source of nutrition.

High costs over time:

While a single fast food meal may seem inexpensive, the costs can add up quickly over time. Regularly eating out can strain your budget, especially when considering the frequency of visits and the tendency to purchase additional items like drinks and desserts. Over time, the cumulative expense of fast food can exceed the cost of preparing healthier meals at home, making it a less economical choice in the long run.

Like fast food, dining out at restaurants is equally a convenient alternative to home-made meals. However, in addition to convenience, sit-down restaurants offer the opportunity to spend time with friends and family while you enjoy a meal not cooked by you.

The Assumed Use of High-quality ingredients

Although fast food is good, dine-in restaurants often tend to have tastier food that seems a lot fresher and healthier. This is because these establishments often prioritize the quality of the ingredients that go into their dishes, resorting to using fresh produce, meats, and spices. This commitment to quality can enhance the overall dining experience, resulting in more flavorful and satisfying dishes that cater to a range of dietary preferences.

Varied menu

Dining out typically offers a much broader selection of menu items compared to fast food. Restaurants often feature diverse cuisines from appetizers to desserts, allowing diners to explore different flavors and culinary traditions. This variety can cater to various dietary needs, offering options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies, not only creating an exciting experience but offering the dietary versatility that fast food struggles to provide.

Good ambiance

One of the most tempting features of dining out is the atmosphere that restaurants give. Whether it's a cozy café, an upmarket bistro, or a bustling eatery, the atmosphere may considerably improve the dining experience. Dining in a well-decorated venue with good lighting, music, and comfortable seating can make the experience feel memorable. Additionally, unlike fast food that is often bought and taken home, dining out offers an avenue for you to sit with your friends and family and enjoy quality time together.

High calories and hidden dangers:

Although dine-in restaurants often pay closer attention to their ingredients than many fast-food restaurants, this doesn't mean meals from restaurants are perfectly healthy either. In fact, a Sunday Roast  from a restaurant can contain about 800 calories , which is as much as any curry, pizza, and pasta dishes.

Expensive:

Dining out at restaurants can be significantly more expensive than cooking at home or using a convenient solution like ordering fast food. With almost half of Americans (42%)  spending between $11 and $20 per person per meal , and 24% spending between $21 and $30, the added cost of ingredients, labor, and overhead is reflected in the menu prices. This makes dining in a restaurant a less budget-friendly option for regular meals.

Time-consuming

Dining out requires travel time to and from the restaurant, waiting for a table, and the duration of the meal itself. This can be a significant time investment, especially during busy hours or when dining with a large group. For those with tight schedules, the time spent dining out may not be practical for everyday meals.

Fast food and dine-in restaurants that come up when you search “restaurants near me” may be convenient options and offer easy alternatives to cooking. However, they also can quickly become expensive, open you to health risks, and give you no control over selecting what ingredients you use or where these ingredients come from.

So, what do you do when you want an easy, healthy, and hearty meal without doing all the work? That's where InstaBomb comes in.

InstaBomb is a line of convenient meal packs designed to simplify meal preparation while enhancing flavor. They offer a variety of flavors, including InstaBomb Birria Tacos and InstaBomb Pot Roast bomb, catering to different culinary preferences.

InstaBomb prides itself on using healthy ingredients sourced from U.S-based suppliers., ensuring that meals are not only safe, but also nutritious. This makes InstaBomb an excellent choice for those seeking flavorful and wholesome dinner options.

Designed to offer convenience while providing the taste of traditional home-cooked meals from around the world, InstaBomb meal bombs are a healthier and more affordable alternative to take out. By giving you control over the cooking process while ensuring that every pack comes with high-quality, all-natural, pre-measured spices, InstaBomb gives you a cooking break that ensures you enjoy home-cooked meals with minimal fuss.

InstaBomb meals are incredibly easy to prepare, with simple instructions and minimal prep time. Each InstaBomb meal bombs contains all the necessary herbs, spices, and ingredients to create an authentic, traditional dish. Hence, you don't have to do all the work of cutting vegetables or measuring spices before you can enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal as breakfast, lunch, or an easy dinner.

InstaBomb meals can be made in 3 easy steps:

1. Once you choose your Instabomb spice pack from the variety available, including pot roast and birria tacos, add your choice of protein. You can use animal protein or an alternative as each InstaBomb is vegan safe!

2. Add your water and protein in an InstaPot (or alternative cooking device), along with your InstaBomb.

3. You’ll have your meal in 60-90 minutes!

Compared to fast food and dining out, InstaBomb offers several advantages:

1. Healthier than fast food: Fast food often uses processed ingredients high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can negatively impact your health. On the other hand, InstaBomb meals are made with wholesome, all-natural ingredients and can be tailored to be nutritious and satisfying. Each spice pack contains high-quality, natural ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and expertly blended for ultimate flavor. With every InstaBomb pack made free of allergens, artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives, you don't have to worry about health risks that accompany takeouts and fast food.

2. Cheaper than dining out: A typical InstaBomb meal costs around $8 per serving, making it a more affordable option than eating out at a restaurant, where the average cost per person is $11-20 .

Additionally, since every InstaBomb pack comes ready-to-use with all ingredients, you don’t need to purchase individual ingredients for the meal.

3. Easier and faster than cooking from scratch: With the convenience of having all the necessary ingredients pre-measured and ready to go, InstaBomb meals can be prepared in minutes with no prep and minimal cleanup. This is a significant time-saver compared to cooking a meal entirely from scratch.

Additionally, Instabomb meals are cooked in one pot. This means you save all the dishes you would otherwise use during meal prep, needing only to watch one kid.

4. Tasty, home-cooked meals: Nothing beats the smell and taste of traditional, home-cooked meals. InstaBomb takes away the fuss that goes into making these meals, making sure you can enjoy home-cooked meals whenever you want. To ensure you get nothing but natural ingredients, InstaBomb uses:

● High-quality, natural ingredients sourced from US-based, GMP-certified suppliers.

● Clean, simple ingredients that you can pronounce

● Spices free of allergens, artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives

● No harmful artificial colors, flavors, dyes, MSG, or animal products.

5. Guilt-free food: Made entirely from natural ingredients free of animal products, InstaBomb spice packs ensure you can enjoy a delicious meal regardless of your dietary preferences. By providing the option to choose your own proteins, InstaBomb gives you more control over your cooking process, ensuring you only eat what you want while enjoying the taste of traditional meals.

When it comes to affordability, the cost breakdown reveals a clear winner. A typical fast food meal costs between $11-$12 on average, while dining out can set you back around $11-$20 per person. However, InstaBomb spice packs offer a more budget-friendly option, with each serving costing almost $8.

The nutritional value of these options varies significantly. Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can have negative health consequences. Dining out can be hit or miss, as the nutritional value depends on the specific restaurant and menu choices. InstaBomb, on the other hand, allows you to customize your meal to be as healthy as you desire, making it a more nutritious alternative.

In terms of convenience, fast food is hard to beat with its drive-thru and pick-up options. Dining out, while enjoyable, requires travel time and waiting for a table. InstaBomb, however, offers unparalleled convenience, with meals ready in minutes and minimal prep time required.

When it comes to choosing convenience, affordability, and flavor, InstaBomb stands out as the ideal option for you. Unlike fast food, which often compromises health for speed, or dining out, which can strain your budget, InstaBomb delivers delicious, homemade meals in easy steps and for fewer dollars. Each spice pack is designed for easy preparation—just add water and your choice of protein, and you’re set for a nutritious meal that costs almost $8 per serving.

So when you find yourself craving convenient and affordable meals, don't look up “restaurants near me”. Instead, reach for a pack of InstaBomb to experience homey goodness.